5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of Evidence suggests that low serotonin levels are a result of the lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era. As a result, many people are suffering from depression, being overweight, craving sugar and other carbohydrates, frequent headaches and vague muscle aches and pains are also common. All of these maladies are correctable by raising brain serotonin levels. 5HTP helps control appetite, insomnia, mood and fibromyalgia. 5-HTP may help slow the aging process and protect the body from illness by protecting the body from damage by substances called free radicals unstable, toxic molecules.